Civilised town halls make for boring tv!
Attended a health care Town Hall with our Congressional representative this evening. Was meant to last 2 hours, went on for 4! Massa didn't look down on any of us, and even admitted when he didn't understand something! Sure, some folks got a little riled, but nothing like we've seen on tv.
Sadly, the disparaging and mocking came from those evidently in favour of the healthcare plan as it stands. I say this, because they opened their mouths whenever someone spoke out against it. Yet none of them were willing to get in front of a microphone. There were a few right-side/conservative/libertarians who shouted on occasion, but it was to rebut or refute a statement.
Overall, I'm happy to say we could have a much worse representative. He let us talk, was respectful, and stayed much longer than scheduled. He also made clear a few things, like he believes you should not vote for a bill you've not read, and that he welcomes a slow-down of this Administration's desire to completely overhaul healthcare.
I did get up to speak, reminding folks that not all us non-citizens are illegal and that we pay our taxes, because it seemed like some folks were saying there's only citizens and illegals. I cited the appalling examples of NHS, including the fact that folks from Canada and France were horrified by it. I held my own against a dude who didn't understand certain things about the British political system or about how my HR department made sure we got the best value for money for our employees. Afterwards, a radio station dude got me for a couple of soundbites, and folks came up to me to thank me for citing the personal experiences with the NHS and for commenting on my coming to this country and going for my citizenship.
All in all, it was a fairly tame Town Hall and nothing like we've seen on the tv. Our representative didn't shut us down, nor did he take a phone call in the middle of it. After all, that's what he has staffers there for. They were even tweeting for him! I don't think my views have changed any, but at least I know there are aspects of the current bill he doesn't like either!
Sadly, the disparaging and mocking came from those evidently in favour of the healthcare plan as it stands. I say this, because they opened their mouths whenever someone spoke out against it. Yet none of them were willing to get in front of a microphone. There were a few right-side/conservative/libertarians who shouted on occasion, but it was to rebut or refute a statement.
Overall, I'm happy to say we could have a much worse representative. He let us talk, was respectful, and stayed much longer than scheduled. He also made clear a few things, like he believes you should not vote for a bill you've not read, and that he welcomes a slow-down of this Administration's desire to completely overhaul healthcare.
I did get up to speak, reminding folks that not all us non-citizens are illegal and that we pay our taxes, because it seemed like some folks were saying there's only citizens and illegals. I cited the appalling examples of NHS, including the fact that folks from Canada and France were horrified by it. I held my own against a dude who didn't understand certain things about the British political system or about how my HR department made sure we got the best value for money for our employees. Afterwards, a radio station dude got me for a couple of soundbites, and folks came up to me to thank me for citing the personal experiences with the NHS and for commenting on my coming to this country and going for my citizenship.
All in all, it was a fairly tame Town Hall and nothing like we've seen on the tv. Our representative didn't shut us down, nor did he take a phone call in the middle of it. After all, that's what he has staffers there for. They were even tweeting for him! I don't think my views have changed any, but at least I know there are aspects of the current bill he doesn't like either!